UXBRIDGE -- Hoping to have a place to call their own, Grade 5 students from St. Joseph's Catholic School approached council Monday to ask for a pre-teen centre in town.

Grade 5 teacher Robin VanDerVleuten, also known as "Ms. V," stood back and watched nine of her students as they confidently stood in front of politicians and shared their hopes for a pre-teen centre with a PowerPoint presentation and a booklet that was handed out to councillors.

"As pre teens, we feel we need a good connection between us and our community," said student Ericka Vanhezewijk. "Town council is active in our community so it is a great place to voice our wishes."

The students noted how important it is to develop their social skills but said it can be hard to find a place to do so with kids their own age. They suggested a pre-teen centre would be open to kids ages nine to 12 and would be monitored by adults.

The students would like the facility to offer a snack bar, tables and chairs to play games, arcade machines, a pool table and "maybe even a TV.

"We could use it to play video games or even just watch a few shows with our friends," said student Kathleen Saunderson.

To help cover the costs of the centre, visitors could use the centre on the weekends to watch a movie and popcorn could be sold. The students also hope to host a dance, once a month with a $2 admission fee that would help to cover costs.

Some of the students suggested asking high school students to volunteer to collect community service hours. The centre would be open from Monday to Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 1 to 7 p.m.

According to Ms. VanDerVleuten, 90 per cent of the presentation was done by the students.

"I am so proud, we have never been to the town hall before," she said in an interview. "I want them to be strong advocates. They practised all day yesterday, they were thrilled to be there. They are our future."

To keep the centre safe, students would wear arm bands or have an I.D. pass that allows them to use the centre. The students also suggested that users would pay $5 to $10 to register for a few months which would help to purchase games and other activities.

"Having learned about government in our class we hope that you take into account our suggestions and ideas and consider our views as we are part of our representative government," said student Jack Rupprecht. "Our ideas are important and as we will be the future, it will be a great experience for us to grow together, children and the community."

Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor and Councillor Gord Highet suggested the possibility of the kids sharing the existing Uxbridge Youth Centre on Brock Street West with high school students, setting aside designated hours for the younger group.

"Our community is in good hands when we see young people like you coming forward," said Mayor O'Connor. "What you're asking for is not out of reach for council but we need time. As a child growing up, you need space, I understand and I am sure all of council does."